Honeydew

Honeydew needs a long warm season and freely draining, compost-enriched soil around pH 6.0-6.8. Feed moderately before planting and as vines begin running, then avoid heavy nitrogen feeding while fruit develops.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

36 in

First harvest

90–110 days

Tips

• Sow seeds 1 inch deep in soil at least 70°F and leave 2-3 feet between plants.
• Keep the root zone evenly moist while fruit enlarges and reduce watering near maturity without wilting the vines.
• Keep fruit on dry straw or boards and give vines plenty of air circulation.
• Check for cucumber beetles and leaf mildew, and avoid insecticide applications while bees visit flowers.
• For typical green-fleshed honeydews, pick when the rind turns creamy white and the blossom end yields slightly; do not wait for stem slip.

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